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Leaving Water Out for our Native Wildlife is Vital this Summer! |
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With the summer season already here, it is important to remember that we can all support our wildlife during the hot weather by offering  them fresh clean water.
Wildlife Victoria advises not to offer food to wildlife in order to avoid an unbalanced diet, human dependency, exposure to predation, unnatural behaviour, spread of diseases, etc.
The best way to offer natural food and shelter to our native animals is by planting our gardens, parks, schools and open spaces with indigenous plants, which are the local natives to each particular area.
Offering water, however, is recommended particularly during hot days. Some simple guidelines when putting out water are:
- Place water containers at different heights and sizes for different species of animals: Ground level: skinks, lizards, echidnas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, etc. Bird baths on pedestals: birds Higher level/trees: possums, gliders, birds, bats, etc.
- Place rocks or branches inside the water containers to help small animals that may fall into the water to get out and avoid drowning.
- Make sure the water container is properly secured so it doesn’t tip over if the animals step on it in order to drink.
- Place the water containers in a shady and safe area, accessible for the wildlife, far from pets that may hurt or hunt the wildlife.
- Top up and change the water regularly to ensure a constant supply of fresh clean water.
- Ringtail possums are particularly vulnerable during hot days, so it is important to keep an eye on them.
Dehydration and burnt paws are very common during hot days. When encountering animals affected by hot weather, contact your local Shelter or Vet or call the emergency line for further assessment and treatment.
<
span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">In the mean time, put the animal in a safe container in a cool, well ventilated, dark and quiet area. Offer water and place a wet towel on top to help cool it down.
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